Minneapolis

Minneapolis

Cycling and mountain biking in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is the county seat of Hennepin County, and the larger of the Twin Cities, of which the other is Saint Paul.

Riding a bike is one of the most popular ways that locals get around Minneapolis, and so too for visitors. In recognition of this, the city has been awarded with Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists. It's also a bronze level IMBA accredited mountain biking Ride Center.

Minneapolis is quickly becoming the go-to city in America for best case examples of biking infrastructure. It boasts 120 miles of “on-street bikeways” and 90 miles of off-street lanes. The City of Minneapolis helps those who live and work in the city use bicycles as a safe, healthy and low-cost way to travel and means of transport. It’s no wonder that despite scorching summers and subzero winters, thousands of locals bike the city for commuting and recreation year-round.

Urban sightseeing, road riding and some awesome mountain biking makes this a great choice for your next cycling vacation!

When to go

Like the rest of Minnesota, Minneapolis shares frosty winters. From November to April, the city experiences snow conditions. However, contrary to the long and bitter winters, summers in Minneapolis are fantastic. Starting from June and going through August, the sun grants its light and warmth to the city, turning it into a tourist attraction for sun-worshippers. It’s bike riding time!

The hottest month of the year is definitely July, so if you travel to Minneapolis during this month, don’t forget your sun cream and make sure to bring a lot of water with you. In addition, please note that summer usually has high humidity, resulting in the occasional thunderstorm.

Advocacy Groups

Key attractions, events and other points of interest

“The quintessence of the glistening modern American city”, is how Minneapolis has been described. Apart from the singletrack and bike parks, the city offers a great abundance of things to see and do. You can chill out by walking in one of the city’s parks and green spaces which reflect the urban environment. Or visit some cultural attractions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the American Swedish Institute, and the Mill City Museum. Some of the top attractions in Minneapolis, such as the Minnehaha Regional Park, are best accessed by public transportation or walking or cycling.